Diabetes Awareness: Your life matters

Posted November 21, 2011

In support of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Waynesboro Family Y – a leading nonprofit for strengthening community through healthy living – is encouraging individuals to learn how to assess their risks for developing type 2 diabetes and take steps to prevent the disease.

Nearly 26 million Americans currently have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes, a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People considered high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or who suffer from prediabetes can develop a number of other chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

Who should be tested for pre-diabetes and diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that testing to detect pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes be considered in adults without symptoms who are overweight or obese and have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes. In those without these risk factors, testing should begin at age 45.

Risk factors for pre-diabetes and diabetes-in addition to being overweight or obese or being age 45 or older-include the following:

•being physically inactive
•having a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
•having a family background that is African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander
•giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or being diagnosed with gestational diabetes-diabetes first found during pregnancy}
•having high blood pressure-140/90 mmHg or above-or being treated for high blood pressure
•having HDL, or “good,” cholesterol below 35 mg/dL, or a triglyceride level above 250 mg/dL
•having polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
•having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on previous testing
•having a history of cardiovascular disease

If results of testing are normal, testing should be repeated at least every three years. Doctors may recommend more frequent testing depending on initial results and risk status.

Act now! Consult your physician and get tested. Make changes in your diet and increase your level of physical activity. Consult one of the Waynesboro Family YMCA’s knowledgeable Fitness Staff members to set up an appointment for Personal Training. Your life matters and small changes can mean a healthier and more meaningful quality of life in your future. Start now!